Music News	Music Venues	Search Events

E-mail story

comment

Printer-friendly version

Sound Off

Devin Grant, special to The Post and Courier

Folk Rock

Van Morrison

Keep It Simple

(Exile/Lost Highway)

In this world there are musical artists who are so revered by some that they could basically belch and the sound would go platinum.

In this age of short attention spans though, those do no wrong craftsmen are becoming few and far between.

Van Morrison could certainly fall under the above category, and although he doesn't burp during "Keep It Simple," his first album of all original Morrison music in ages, he does at one point simply utter the phrase "Blah, blah, blah," and I'll be darned if the babbling isn't sweet music coming from Van's lips.

For those who might still be skeptical, it should be said that "Keep It Simple" is no "Astral Weeks," but even so, it is a fine collection of songs with a style that belies its title.

No, there are no horn sections or complicated arrangements on "Keep It Simple," but one listen to deceptively simple tunes such as "How Can a Poor Boy?" and the CD's title track, and it is evident that it takes a lot of work to keep it this simple. The CD's best track is "Don't Go to Nightclubs Anymore."

The lovely mixture of blues and jazz that permeates the album will likely appeal to longtime Morrison fans, while also drawing new listeners. Until that collection of Van Morrison belches materializes, "Keep It Simple" will more than satisfy those looking for a wonderfully mellow collection of new songs. (B+)

Download These: "How Can a Poor Boy?," "Don't Go to Nightclubs Anymore," "Soul"

Classic Rock

Dweezil Zappa

"Zappa Plays Zappa

(Razor & Tie)

The word "original" and the name Frank Zappa are so tightly interwoven, that the late composer's name should probably contain that word somewhere.

Zappa would likely have put the kibosh on that idea though, deeming it completely unoriginal and thus useless to him. Whatever the case, when Zappa died in 1993, most fans figured that the days of his wildly imaginative live shows had ended. Thank god then for Dweezil Zappa, Frank's son, who has put together an impressive collection of musicians and hit the road for a show called "Zappa Plays Zappa." The idea sounds simple; an evening of Zappa compositions played with incredible precision by a group of skilled musicians. OK, maybe simple isn't the correct word to use, especially when one considers how complex Frank Zappa's songs are.

They start and stop on a dime, and often veer off in directions that might sound uncontrolled, but make no mistake, Frank knew where it was all going.

Dweezil takes over his father's role as conductor and lead guitarist, and it is clear from the beginning that he has studied his father's music closely. The crack band is supplemented by guest appearances by Terry Bozzio, Steve Vai and Napoleon Murphy Brock.

This DVD version of the concert is definitely the way to experience it, because while listening to songs such as "I'm the Slime," "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" and "Montana" are interesting, watching the band perform those tunes is fascinating. Bravo to Dweezil for bringing his father's work to a whole new generation of fans. (B+)

Classic Punk

The Clash

"Live Revolution Rock"

(Epic/Legacy)

In the world of punk rock music, they didn't get much bigger than The Clash during that band's heyday.

While endless documentaries and collections of the band's music have been released, the new DVD, "Live Revolution Rock," does the best job of presenting the band in its most primal form. Able to be played just as a set of live performances, or with a narrative track that makes the live compilation into a documentary, "Live Revolution Rock" gives the viewer a warts-and-all look at the experimental punk band.

In venues ranging from tiny European clubs to a sold out Shea Stadium in 1982, the music comes at you fast and furious. Songs featured on the DVD include "I Fought the Law," "I'm So Bored with the USA," "(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais," "This is Radio Clash" and "Should I Stay or Should I Go."

As a bonus, the DVD features two interviews from 1981, including an amusing conversation with the late Tom Snyder. Punk fans that want to see one of the greatest bands of that era are strongly encouraged to pick up this DVD, which serves as a lasting memory to one of punk music's biggest success stories. (A)